George F. Cahill, Jr.

George F. Cahill Jr. (July 7, 1927 – July 30, 2012) was an American scientist who significantly advanced the diabetes mellitus research of the 20th century. He focused on metabolic research, especially concerning human glucose metabolism in diabetic and normal conditions; he also investigated the effect of hunger and fasting on metabolic pathways and ketose processes. He was author and co-author of nearly 200 articles in scientific magazines and books.

Early life George Cahill Jr. was born in New York City. He attended the Hotchkiss School and then completed a course of studies at the Yale University, graduating in 1949. In 1953, he earned a medical doctoral degree at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Career Cahill started working as a medical assistant at the Biochemical Department at the Peter Bent Bringham Hospital (today: Brigham and Women’s Hospital) in Boston. He was also involved in research at the Albert Baird Hastings laboratory from 1955 until 1957 before he transferred to the Joslin's Diabetes Center in 1958, after another clinical year. There, he took the place of research director when Albert Renold returned to Europe 1962. Cahill held the position until 1978. 1962 he became active in the research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), since 1972 as member of the advisory board and later as research director and finally vice president. He left the HHMI in 1990. 1970 he became a Harvard Medical School professor. Until 1990 he continued teaching classes, before he had been given emeritus status. Since 1989 Cahill taught a biology course for non-biologists at the Dartmouth College.

Personal life Cahill married Sarah ("Sally") duPont († 2010) in 1949. They had four daughters and two sons.

Works (selection)

Awards (selection) Young Investigator Award of the Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association 1963: Oppenheimer Award of the Endocrine Society 1979: Gairdner Foundation International Award 1980: member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences